Binghamton University School of Management celebrates Class of 2020

Graduating into a rapidly-changing business world, accelerated by the effects of the global pandemic, the Binghamton University School of Management (SOM) Class of 2020 was encouraged to find ways to lead in the face of uncertainty.

“The events of the past year have given us much to reflect on and hope for a better future. In times such as these, business and society is in need of great leaders — leaders that learn from the past and adapt to the future,” said Dean Upinder Dhillon in his recorded remarks for the virtual Commencement ceremony.

“I am confident that your Binghamton education has prepared you well for these leadership challenges.”

The School of Management held two virtual Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 on Dec. 17 — one for the undergraduate class, and one for the graduate class consisting of MBA and MS Accounting students. A separate ceremony for doctoral students premiered on Dec. 13. You can see both ceremonies below:

Undergraduate ceremony

Graduate ceremony

In the ceremony celebrating the over 500 students who make up the undergraduate SOM Class of 2020, Dhillon recognized the many successes achieved in SOM over the past year. Citing victories in regional and national case competitions, continued placement in prestigious internship programs and faculty research published in top business journals, Dhillon said there was much to be proud of.

“Because of your achievements and those of our alumni and faculty, the School of Management is recognized among the elite business schools in the nation,” he said, urging the graduates to stay connected with the school as alumni.

Dhillon echoed many of the same sentiments in the graduate Commencement ceremony celebrating the 310 MBA and MS Accounting graduates, but also shared lessons he learned over the course of his career as it relates to leadership.

“Early in my career, I learned that it is important to understand the lives of people who work for you. Treat others with respect and they will respect you. Leadership is all about sacrifice and improving the lives of others, particularly in a crisis such as the current pandemic,” he said. “When you turn your opportunities into influencing the lives of others, you will be true leaders in society.”

This year’s School of Management student speaker was Karan “Ron” Kataria, an accounting major who also had concentrations in finance and management information systems.

Kataria kicked off his recorded speech by telling the story of his journey to Binghamton University. Originally planning to become a doctor, Kataria realized he’d instead rather pursue business. After attending two other colleges, he eventually settled on Binghamton.

“I was drawn to the promise and immersive atmosphere of Binghamton’s School of Management, and committed to growing to my fullest potential here over the next two years,” he said.

Kataria joined student organizations and found ways to get involved. Crediting SOM leadership, faculty and staff, as well as his peers and professional mentors, with providing crucial help along the way, he decided to help mentor new transfer students.

“Being a Bearcat is about paying it forward, and helping others achieve their goals has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my time here,” he said. “After all, if there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that Bearcats look out for their own.”

Kataria said the most valuable lesson he learned at Binghamton was not to compare himself to others, calling it “the quickest route to failure and unhappiness.”

He called on his fellow graduates to follow their dreams and pursue their passions.

“Embrace every change and every obstacle head-on. Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you,” he said.

Kataria closed out his remarks by referring to life as a rollercoaster.

“There will be many people on the journey with you, but remember that, through the best and worst of times, you have to believe in yourself. Because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be standing in front of you today,” he said.

“Congratulations, Class of 2020. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us!”